Classic Peru Tour & Ecuador Galapagos Islands Tour - Option 2

Arrival to Lima, reception at the airport and transfer by private vehicle to the Santa Cruz Hotel. Check in to your hotel. (No meals today)

Santa Cruz Hotel

After breakfast, a guided visit of Lima in group service, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour will include a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, before stopping at Larco Mar to enjoy a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Return to your hotel in Lima. (Breakfast & lunch only)

Meals: B & L

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. After the one hour flight, reception and transfer to the Los Andes Hotel. In the afternoon, a guided tour in group of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Return to the hotel. Folkloric show and dinner.
(Breakfast & dinner only)

Los Andes Hotel   |  Meals: B & D

Full-day excursion in group service to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and remains the larder of Cuzco. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After a buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Late afternoon return to Cuzco whilst visiting en-route the traditional market of Chinchero.
(Breakfast and lunch included today)

Meals: B & L

Enjoy a good night's sleep before boarding the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes travelling with your own private guide. Arrival to Aguas Calientes and check in to your hotel, Pequena Casita.
Shortly after, a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture.
(Breakfast)

Meals: B

Free day today (Entrance fee to Machu Picchu not included today)
Return to Cuzco and to your hotel. (Breakfast)

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight back to Lima and your connecting international flight to Quito. In-flight lunch. Arrival to Quito and transfer to your hotel, the Rabida Hotel.
(Breakfast and in-flight lunch included)

Rabida Hotel   |  Meals: B & L

After breakfast, a full day's guided visit in group service of colonial Quito, declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1978. A visit to the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia. The President still conducts business here, so access to the inside may be limited. It is the home of the tomb of Sucre and also houses interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. A visit to the Middle of the World monument.
(Breakfast)

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island. Reception and transfer to Santa Cruz Island and your hotel, the Silberstein Hotel or similar. Afternoon tour of the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Visit the breeding centre and Giant Tortoise pens located at Puerto Ayora, where you will witness the various stages of development of these world renowned, indigenous tortoises that can easily outlive us. While enjoying a close encounter with these impressive animals you will hear all about their fascinating life history and the story of "Lonesome George" one of the more famous island residents. Return to your hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today)

Meals: B, L & D

For these two days, you shall embark upon day trips to two of the Galapagos Islands (Bartolome Island, Santa Fe Island, North Seymour Island and Bachas, or South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion). Selection of island depends on National Park rules at the time.
Each island is home to a unique selection of endemic animals such as tortoises, iguanas, scores of birds and marine life. Or you may choose from a variety of activities offered by the hotel: scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, mountain biking, or take a day trip to Academy Bay, Tortugas Bay, Pelican Bay, etc.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today)

Meals: B & L

In the morning, enjoy breakfast and transfer back to the airport for your midday flight back to Quito trip. Arrival and connect for your international flight home.
(Breakfast)

Meals: B

End of our services.